Together but Separate

Chapter 20: Something More

Kate Rojas

For the nth times, I sighed.

Kanina pa ako nakaupo rito sa back porch ng bahay nina Nicko. I could not make myself sleep. I just kept on tossing and turning on the bed, but sleep would not visit me. I was not sure if I was having flight jitters because I would be leaving tomorrow or this was something else. So, I decided to go down and sit here on the back porch.

I had been here for couple of hours already and for those hours, many thoughts flooded into my mind. Thoughts about my work, family, future, marriage, and about Nicko.

I shook my head to dismiss all the thoughts that were making me anxious. I focused on the beautiful view in front of me. Tito and Tita Jasmine did an excellent job designing their backyard. It was very people friendly. They put night lights to make it look bright at night. The smell of the plants was very relaxing. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I was loving the fresh and cool air.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

I immediately opened my eyes after hearing Nicko's voice. And there he was, standing in front of me and dressed in his pajamas.

"Why are you still awake?"

"I should be the one asking you that question." He chuckled. "You must be tired from the party, so you should be sleeping by now. It is almost midnight, and you have a flight in the next ten hours."

I drew my robe in because the wind blew hard; it made me shiver. I was wearing my night gown and put a woolen robe to warm me up from the cold weather.

"I could not sleep," I answered. "How about you? Why are you still awake? And how did you know that I am here?"

"I was thirsty, so I went to the kitchen. I saw the sliding door slightly open, so I checked outside and found you," he said and pointed the space next to me. "May I?"

I nodded my head. "Sure."

He sat next to me, but he left a small gap between us.

"What do you think of the party? Did you somehow enjoy it?" he asked.

"It was fun. I enjoyed meeting your employees and talking to them. Also, meeting your immediate family was nice."

"I am glad to hear that."

I just smiled and kept quiet. Both of us fell silent and was looking at the view. For some reason, his presence calmed me down. Even though we were not talking, just his presence and close proximity next to me were enough to make me feel better.

"I have something to tell you," biglaang sabi ni Nicko.

Napatingin ako sa kanya. He was also looking at me. Why did I suddenly feel nervous?

"I do not know if you are interested to know this, but I feel like I should tell you." His voice was serious. It felt like what he was going to say was something important.

I looked at him intently. Because of what he said, I began to feel curious. "What is it?"

"Remember Alexander and Gabriella?" I nodded, remembering the couple we met earlier in the event. "I used to court her."

Nagulat ako sa narinig. Niligawan niya sa Gabriella noon? Kung sabagay, maganda naman talaga 'yon. Tapos narinig ko pa kanina mula kay Alexander kung gaano siya katalino at kasipag sa negosyo. Ang tangkad pa niya at sexy. Galing din siya sa mayamang pamilya. Kung tutuusin ay bagay sila ni Nicko. So, iyan pala ang tipo niya sa babae —kagaya ni Gabriella.

"Naging kayo ba?" I was anxious to know.

"No." He shook his head. "A friend of mine set up a blind date for us. I was not really into blind dates, but I agreed just to please my friend. To be honest, I liked her the first time I met her. We were so similar in so many ways, so I gave it a try. I started courting her and took her out on dates. Weeks later, I found out that Alexander liked her also. In fact, he was courting her already even before I met her. He was so eager to win her that he visited me in my office just to tell me to back out."